Your are now beginning on one of the most rewarding
yet frustrating searches of your life, the job search.
The best time to look for a job is when you already have a job.
If you are desperate for work, you may make
some quick decisions that you could regret later.
If you choose to apply directly to a company
it will take you about one month's preparation
before you'll be ready to send off your resume
and cover letter.
Get help from any place and anyone you can.
Talk to friends, neighbors, librarians, anyone who can
help you find information on the company you're applying to.
Read the newspapers; there you'll find which companies
are getting government contracts, what new companies are
moving to town, reports of promotions and new appointments,
and a wealth of other information that will aid
you in finding out who will be in need of your services.
Once you decide to tackle the job market, it will be
easiest if you concentrate on one geographic region at a time.
This will maximize your contacts and your activity.
In all, there are six basic methods for finding specific jobs.
First and foremost is networking. Networking provides the best
and most common way of finding a job.
Use the contacts you have already made with relatives,
friends, faculty members and former employers.
Ask all of them if they have heard of any job openings for you.
Provide them with copies of your updated resume.
Even your best friends may not realize the unique
qualifications you may have in the business world.
Second is direct contact.
Call or write to employers you have an interest in.
Arrange for informational interviews.
Get yourself known!
Third is want ads.
The U.S.Department of Labor reports that fewer
than one in six of new employees found their
jobs through the want ads.
Want ads are a fine place to look, but do not
limit yourself to looking in traditional
newspaper want ads.
You can also look in magazines, journals, and even
on the Internet.
A fourth method is going through a private employment agency.
Though there are many reputable employment agencies out there,
you should watch out for some private employment agencies.
Check the Better Business Bureau for complaints and compliments
before signing any contracts with a private employment agency.
Make sure that the employer pays the fee that the agency charges,
or you may find up to 30% of your first year's salary going
to the agency.
A fifth method is using your school�s placement office.
Even if your school or university does not have many employers
coming to campus for interviews, you may still gain some benefit
by visiting the office.
Many placement offices have a wealth of
information for you.
Some will even videotape and critique a practice
interview session for you.
And sixth, you will want to check into the professional
and trade associations you belong to.
It is likely that there may be a placement agency for you to use
as part of you membership fees.
Even if there is not, contact with the association members may
yield you some success in your job search.